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Does the diet have a gender? Charal launched the discussion on gender equality in food

On January 10th, FHCOM  and Nutrikéo organized for Charal a #MeatLab, gathering scientists and professionals from consumer trends and moderated by Grégory Dubourg. After flexitarism, France’s leading meat brand, this second edition focuses on the influence of gender on food consumption habits. Are our food choices dependent on our gender?

In general: does the plate have a gender?

MeatLab Charal L'assiette a t-elle un genre ?

Does the diet have a gender? The answer is yes.

The Kantar Worldpanel study confirms that men’s and women’s consumption habits are different. There are many « gender stereotypes« . Fresh vegetables are a little more common on women’s plates than men’s. On the other hand, they consume more cheese, bread, fresh meat and deli meats.

Regardless of sex, the French consume animal protein daily, on average almost once a day (frequency of 6.4 to 6.5 per week).

However, in detail differences exist. Some animal proteins such as white ham, veal, fish, eggs and fresh poultry are more feminine. In addition, differences are observed on the same meat as beef. Skewers, chopped or carpaccio will be consumed by women, while tartar and entrecote will be consumed mainly by men.

These gender differences are slightly more visible according to age groups and family situation. For example, the difference is greater for single people than for families. This may be due to the fact that we as a family share the same dish. Similarly, there is a greater difference in meat consumption between men and women than between 35 and 49 years old among the Millennials.

Food choice motivations vary little by gender. Although, the demand for healthy/dietrical is more prevalent in women than in men.

Origin of the phenomenon

Our experts have shown through scientific, physiological, sociological and psychological approaches the differentiating determinants between men and women.

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Scientific approach: do our brains have a sex?

The scientific response is nuanced. Catherine Vidal (Neurobiologist and Honorary Director of Research at the Institut Pasteur) explains it to us: « There are differences between the brains of women and men, especially in the areas of the brain that control the functions associated with sexual reproduction. But when it comes to cognitive functions (memory, intelligence, reasoning), women and men have the same brain capacities.

Despite this knowledge, many preconceived ideas persist. Contrary to what was thought 50 years ago, the observed behavioural differences between men and women are not related to biological differences in the brain, but rather to existing social pressure and social stereotypes.

Anthropological studies have shown that in the majority of cultural traditions, the diet of women and men is not the same. However, more egalitarian contemporary societies tend to blur these habits.

 

Physiological approach: do we have the same nutritional needs?

The recommendations of the National Nutrition and Health Plan are identical according to gender. Nevertheless, as developed by Sylvie Avallone (Professor of Nutrition and Food Sciences at Montpellier SupAgro), « there are real differences in nutritional needs between the sexes in some aspects ». For example, women’s micronutrient needs may vary depending on the time of life (pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, etc.). This may influence their meat consumption.

Regarding energy and protein intake, gender is not necessarily a factor. However, the stature and build of men imply a higher energy expenditure and therefore a significant contribution. It also depends on the person’s physical activity, regardless of gender.

 

Sociological approach: do we share the same food codes?

As Jean-Pierre Poulain (Sociologist, anthropologist and food specialist) explains, gender is very important in food choices, but among a set of social factors (religion, income, level of education, etc.).

In our society, this differentiated attitude towards meat is historically present. For example, hunting was a point of men’s training in war. Similarly, in the past, « killing the pig or taking the animals to the slaughterhouse was a male matter, while feeding and killing the rabbit or poultry was a female matter ». The differences were already there at the time.

It is therefore a historical habit in our society that man consumes meat.

In addition to this historical basis, there are contemporary phenomena that say that « women are more permeable to nutritional arguments, particularly those conveyed by the female press ». Women consume poultry as a priority in order to control weight and to move away from animals and towards more plants.

 

Psychological approach: does male-female seduction dictate our food choices?

 

Caroline Weill (Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst) explains that there is indeed a « sexism that will prevail over the choice of food, but which depends on the situation and the time of life ».

Culturally, girls and boys are not raised in the same way. « The child is imbued with the environment and culture with which he or she will identify and which will determine his or her food choices.

  • Indeed, « the little girl is more elevated in the idea of pleasing and seducing« . There is a devaluation of the notion of pleasure and a trivialization of deprivation.
  • Food is associated with the idea of force necessary for boys, unlike girls who, depending on the use for mothers, are more delicate. He will eat more in adulthood to show his manhood.

According to our experts, this social and psychological conditioning since childhood influences the place of seduction in our food choices.

The gender issue in food choices is therefore multi-factorial with scientific, physiological, sociological and psychological aspects.  Moreover, the relationship to food always evolves in tension between the conviviality of the meal to be shared and the individualization of what we eat.

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